British Imperialism and Commercial Supremacy (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1906 edition. Excerpt: ...sons of toil who drive all the other machines must have control of the parliamentary machine also. In the name of "natural rights" Lancashire is disposed to adopt revolutionary tactics. Frequently French formulas are heard--" Liberty or Death I "--" Equality of Representation or Death I" The red bonnet is freely donned. The workpeople, slinging a blanket--their only property--over their shoulder, set out for London. From 1820 to 1830 England is on the verge of a revolution. But on the way the politicians of the Midlands intercept these "blanket marchers" and point out to them the only true way to pacific reform. Then between Lancashire and the Midlands an alliance of political union is struck, which is to remain unshaken for more than half a century (1830-1885), and to further, without respite, the Radical programme of labour, peace and liberty. To Manchester is due the doctrine, to Birmingham the methods. Ere long labour, liberty and prosperity work in beneficent conjunction; the new England triples her fortune and population; each worker lives in peace under the shelter of factory and lofty chimney. At the first shock the mass of past traditions has trembled from top to bottom, then crumbled away little by little. Liberty of thought, liberty of worship, liberty of commerce and liberty of life--a Liberal England has everywhere replaced the England of conquest and feudalism. Electoral reform (1832) marks the first stage, the abolition of the Corn Laws (1846) the second. From 1846 to 1885 this regime of Free Trade widens and deepens, so that, without distinction of religion or nationality, all workers freely interchange speech, ideas, labour and merchandise. The entire English people become a convert...